Burns Sara

Inspection report for early years provision

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404136 Unique Reference Number 02 October 2007 Inspection date Barbara Ann Bush Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and four children aged seven, 10, 13 and 15 years in Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex, near to local amenities. The whole premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. She also visits the library and parks with the minded children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and well-maintained home. Younger children can rest undisturbed, in a cot or in their prams. Sleeping children are checked regularly by the childminder. Children are learning about good personal hygiene routines, washing their hands

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 after outside play or using messy materials. Signs are up in the bathroom to remind children to wash their hands. Children are encouraged to be independent and take control for themselves. Children learn from a minder who cultivates a good standard of hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the experience gained by the childminder when dealing with illness or any emergencies that may arise. Procedures have been put in place verbally with parents and the childminder is confident about her abilities to manage any situation concerning the children's welfare. However, accident records are not confidential to each family.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered regular meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. Drinks are freely available and children are encouraged to take in fluids. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and any allergies that may affect them. Children enjoy light lunches that are nutritionally balanced. Children are learning good table manners and how to behave when eating together. They have also experienced growing plants such as tomatoes, courgettes and runner beans. They also pick apples at a local farm, which gives them an idea of the food chain. The childminder has also completed a basic food hygiene certificate, ensuring that food is prepared correctly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have lots of opportunities for outside play in the garden and at the park. Children are developing an awareness of their physical growth and general well-being and this is promoted by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can make choices in an environment that is kept safe by the childminder, who knows there is a balance between freedom and safe limits. The childminder organises the home to be child-friendly and visually checks the premises to minimise potential hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy the use of an extensive range of equipment that provides them with challenging, fun activities. The childminder ensures that resources are easily within reach of the children, this allows them to use their own initiative when organising games. Children can play safely with the toys and materials as the childminder monitors the condition of the equipment regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe. Children understand clear road safety instructions and can negotiate traffic with confidence. They wear bright, hazard jackets to alert drivers to their presence. They know there are house rules regarding running, climbing and jumping in the home. They are encouraged to keep the floor tidy to prevent trips and falls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of the current information regarding child protection, which ensures she acts in the best interests of the children. A written policy is shared with parents. The childminder has attended recent training and knows about the changes that have taken place within the service.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied day which includes free play and trips outside of the home. The day is structured around trips to schools and playgroups. Children's interest is stimulated by placing toys at their level to catch their eye and motivate their play. Children enjoy books and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 floor toys. The games they play initiate laughter and the childminder encourages conversation by repeating and clarifying words.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are encouraged to share, take turns and cooperate with others. Children's play opportunities broaden in line with their developmental needs. Children's language skills are extended through questions and the childminder's interest in their well-being. Children are able to paint and take part in craft activities to further their imaginative skills. They clearly enjoy floor toys such as cars, a road map, threading beads and reading books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given praise for their existing achievements and they are urged to play with a variety of toys. Children receive consistent care as minder and parents work closely to ensure there is a united approach. They have developed a bond with their carer, are reassured by her presence and display confidence when meeting strangers

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is caring for children under the age of three years but as yet has not completed the relevant training. Whilst the childminder has read the information she is not fully using ideas sourced from the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are able to access a broad range of toys and materials reflecting other cultures, festivals and people with disabilities. The childminder has an understanding of the issues and feels confident about answering the children's questions and interest. They also learn to recognise their own needs effectively. Children have developed independence when organising their play, supported by the childminder's arrangement of the materials and equipment. Children are enabled to try new things and gain self-confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

At present the childminder is not caring for children with disabilities or learning difficulties. However, the childminder has extensive knowledge of assisting children with additional requirements and is aware of the importance of working collaboratively with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a clear behaviour policy agreed by the childminder and parents. Limits are set and they are fully in agreement with the house rules and boundaries. Children's good behaviour is recognised and praised. They demonstrate courtesy and kindness towards each other, an awareness of each other's needs and an eagerness to make each other happy. The childminder pre-empts any problems, distracting children to more productive play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder values good communication with parents to ensure that children's needs are met. She offers them regular feedback about the children's progress, making time to speak with the parents each day. The childminder has incorporated the new complaints procedure into her documentation, which ensures that any concerns affecting the care of the children can be resolved quickly.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is a motivated carer and has completed additional childcare courses to increase her expertise on the subject. She has 14 years experience as a carer and has gained a Level 3 qualification and looks for further training to assist her work. She is interested and enthusiastic about her work with the children.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The day is organised to give children the opportunity to experience a range of activities, both inside and outside of the home. Time is made to take walks, play in the park and socialise with other adults and children. Ratios are maintained which enables the childminder to give individual attention to the children.

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Organisation

Documentation is well-organised and the childminder has an efficient method of recording and storing her records. Paperwork is kept confidential but can be accessed by parents. Children and parents benefit from a range of policies and procedures that are in place.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to make the water butt safe. This has been addressed by the addition of a new container which is child-proof. This attention to safety assists children to remain protected from hazards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that all entries into the accident book are confidential • improve outcomes for children from birth to three years by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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